The second annual Barkin Mad Ultra trail running weekend was a major success, raising $18,400 for dogs in need.
Held at the Rokeby Recreation Reserve on October 4 and 5, the two-day event saw more than 200 participants and more than 150 dogs race to the finish line in support of Hair of the Dog Rescue.
The total amount raised will help Hair of the Dog Rescue save the equivalent of 36 dogs.
Race director and local veterinarian Amy Hewitt said the event was very well supported by the community.
"We had such a great community support with all our people who were volunteering and also people who came to the event," she said.
Day one saw runners take on the 50km, 20km and 10km races, followed by a new 5km event and the 2km walk on day two.
Seven participants and two dogs took on the 50km race. Pippa Box the border collie and Austen Larrett the pointer both crossed the finish line and ran the entire 50km.
This year's event had a range of new features including new infrastructure, a range of market stalls and a demonstration by Cherokees K9 school, free dog tag engraving by Speedy Locksmith, a screening of the Top Dog Film Festival in the Rokeby Hall, an adaptive athlete category and a new 5km race.
"We introduced a 5km race on the Sunday because people wanted more of an intermediate distance," Amy said. "People could choose to walk it because it was just along the rail trail. It was wheelchair accessible which was good (because) we had a couple of dogs in prams."
One of the most eye-catching new infrastructure pieces was the wooden archway over the finish line made by Amy's partner Harry Hudson.
Looking ahead to 2026, Amy said the Barkin Mad team were excited to run the event again.
"I'm definitely more excited than I was last year, we've learnt a lot," Amy said.